Planning Optimum Logging Operations through Precision Forestry Approaches

Year 2015, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 56 - 60, 31.12.2015

Neşe Gülci , Abdullah E. Akay , Orhan Erdaş Michael Wing , John Session

Abstract

In
this study, it was aimed to determine optimum logging operations by using
Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques as one of the effective tools
of a precision forestry approach. In the first stage of the application
process, a high resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area was
produced by using Real Time Kinematic GPS in the field. Then, the DEM was used
to classify the area into slope classes specified by the International Union of
Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). A map for the optimum logging operations
was generated for two scenarios (i.e. maximum productivity and minimum residual
stand damage) considering current terrain conditions. Four different logging
methods were evaluated: ground skidding logs using a portable winch integrated
with skidding cone, winching logs by using a farm tractor, downhill sliding of
logs by chute system with gravity, and controlled sliding of logs downhill by
chute system integrated with portable winch. During the assessment of logging
methods, the results from the previous empirical studies conducted in similar
stand characteristics and topographical conditions were used. For both
scenarios, results indicated that skidding by portable winch integrated with
skidding cone was the optimum logging method for more than half of the study
area, followed by downhill sliding by chute system and controlled sliding by
chute system integrated with portable winch.    

Keywords

Logging operations, Precision forestry, GIS, RTK-GPS

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